Society needs more happy musicians than unhappy doctors -

 Society needs more happy musicians than unhappy doctors -

 The Times Of India

The real pandemic in India is suicide, but like the proverbial ostrich, society has buried its head in the sand, claim academics and mental health practitioners

Rajlakshmi.Ghosh@timesgroup.com

Few days ahead of the NEET exams, four medical college aspirants in TamilNadu took their life allegedly due to fear of failure. This brought back the issue of psychological pressure gripping the young adults.

“Such instances highlight the need for institutional support as well as counselling facilities for students who are appearing for competitive examinations,” says Kiran Ambatipudi, associate DOSW (Student Wellness), IIT Roorkee. The institute offers 24x7, free-of-cost counselling service to help students.

Society, according to Dr Prerna Kohli, clinical psychologist, pays far too much attention to financial and academic success. “Parents need to teach their children that failing is normal and encourage them to have a Plan B ready, just in case Plan A fails.” If it isn’t exam stress, social pressures and the taboo to openly discuss suicidal thoughts may create communication barriers for the students. “Clinically speaking, mental illness, a history of suicide in the family, sexual or physical abuse and impulsive behaviour are some of the key drivers. Additionally, ineffective coping skills with day to day circumstances and poverty may prompt some to take extreme steps, Kohli adds.

HEIs must rise to the fore

“Many institutions are emphasising on holistic education and making adequate provision for recreation, physical exercises and counselling facilities to provide end-to-end support. Parents’ sensitisation programme can also be incorporated to facilitate support,” Ambatipudi suggests.

Full report on educationtimes.com